University welcomes £5 million scheme to fight period poverty
Free sanitary products will be available to University of Stirling students thanks to a new £5.2 million fund.
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Free sanitary products will be available to University of Stirling students thanks to a new £5.2 million fund.
The Scottish Government is the first in the world to make free sanitary products available to all students at schools, colleges and universities across Scotland.
The scheme – which coincides with the start of the academic year – aims to banish period poverty for Scotland’s 395,000 school, college and university students.
We’re delighted free sanitary provision will be made available for students here at the University of Stirling and in universities across Scotland. Period poverty can prevent students from being able to fully participate in university life, so tackling this barrier is a positive step from the Scottish Government.
Jill Stevenson, the University’s Head of Student Support Services
President of Stirling’s Students’ Union
This is an important, positive step towards ending period poverty and protecting students’ dignity, avoiding anxiety, embarrassment and stigma. We will be making a range of products available to ensure that students have a choice about the products they want to use.
The Scottish Government has worked closely with partners including Universities Scotland, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Colleges Scotland and the Scottish Funding Council to ensure the availability of products reflects the needs of users.
In a country as rich as Scotland, it’s unacceptable that anyone should struggle to buy basic sanitary products. I am proud that Scotland is taking this world-leading action to fight period poverty and I welcome the support of local authorities, colleges and universities in implementing this initiative.
Our £5.2 million investment will mean these essential products will be available to those who need them, in a sensitive and dignified way, which will make it easier for students to fully focus on their studies.
Aileen Campbell, Communities Secretary
Sanitary products will be available across the University campus from the start of the academic year on Monday 10 September.
Background information
Enquiries to Emma Darling, Head of Communications, on 01786 46 7760 or emma.darling@stir.ac.uk